Ordinary heroes

Sometimes heroes are born from tragedy. Take Batman, for instance. He witnessed something terrible early in life, and it inspired him to help others.

Then there’s Miles Scott, a 5-year-old boy who – despite battling leukemia – wanted to be the one who saved others.“Because I dream about it,” he said.

That dream came true last week. Mild-mannered Miles donned suit and cape to become Batkid. He tore through the mean streets of San Francisco in the Batmobile, foiling The Riddler’s plans to rob a bank. He saved a damsel in distress. He took down The Penguin, who had sealnapped the San Francisco Giants mascot. His day ended with a hearty thanks from the mayor that came with the key to the city.

By then, Batkid was a sensation. The president was watching. Media organizations across the world were tracking his progress. Thousands lined up to see him live in action, to watch him save their city.

We collectively cheer for Batkid, and he won the day.

Sometimes heroes are ordinary people. Take Batman, for instance. He’s not an alien with superior physical prowess. He wasn’t bit by a radioactive spider. He’s just a guy in a suit trying to make the world seem a little more fair.

Then there are the coordinators for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the unnamed actors, the police chief, the mayor and the approximately 10,000 volunteers who donated time and money to make a sick little boy’s dream come true.

A 5-year-old going through cancer treatments isn’t fair. But for one day, ordinary people got to balance the scales a little. They suspended disbelief, rallied around Miles – whose cancer is now in remission – and gave him a day he’ll never forget.

When faced with something cruel or unjust, we often find ourselves powerless. That realization could be why so many people around the world watched Batkid become a hero. Because whatever the danger – be it cancer or supervillian – we want it to end well. Because whatever the odds, we want to see them overcome. Because we know life isn’t fair, but we all imagine a day when it will be.